On-Demand Design Management for Contractors, Developers and Design Consultants
Experienced Design Leadership, when it matters most
On-Demand Design Management
Not every organisation needs permanent in-house design management. Many projects require experienced design leadership at specific stages, during periods of risk, or to cover capability gaps. NextWave provides on-demand design management support that can be deployed quickly, for any duration, and at any point in a project lifecycle.
Clients typically engage NextWave when:
Transitioning from traditional procurement to Design & Build
Design responsibility is increasing faster than internal capability
Projects involve complex phasing or early works
Design coordination issues are affecting programme, cost or risk
Parallel workstreams are required due to phased planning approvals
Additional senior design management is needed for a defined stage
In-house design management resource is unavailable or stretched
Architectural practices requiring delivery support without permanent resourcing
Flexible engagement, without long-term commitment
Support can be provided for a defined project stage, a full project lifecycle, or as temporary cover during staff absence or recruitment gaps. NextWave integrates quickly into existing teams using established systems and workflows, allowing immediate focus on delivery rather than mobilisation.
How We Can Help
NextWave is led by Michael Cartwright, bringing over 30 years’ experience in design management across a wide range of project types and delivery models.
We work alongside contractors, developers and design consultants to provide experienced, flexible design management support, adapting our involvement to suit each project’s needs.
Our experience involves the delivery of projects of every scale and complexity across a diverse range of sectors, providing proven design management services that support successful project outcomes.
Operating across all stages of project delivery – from site acquisition and feasibility through to development, delivery, and post-completion – we are accustomed to quickly embedding ourselves within project teams and we understand the dynamics required to communicate effectively.
As a highly process-driven professional, Michael has shaped our approach by modernising traditional design and project management systems, processes, and procedures to streamline project delivery, helping contractors, developers, design consultants, and clients realise design intent, manage risk, and maximise value.
Our bespoke cloud-based systems consolidate programmes, information release schedules, documents, and communications into a single source of truth, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and clarity from concept to completion.
Design is one of the most influential drivers of project outcomes, but also one of the hardest to control. As an inherently iterative process, it evolves constantly, introducing new decisions, risks, and coordination demands. Without clear leadership, this can result in delays, cost escalation, rework, and fragmented decision-making. At NextWave Design management we provide the structure, clarity, and collaboration needed to manage this complexity. By aligning design intent with commercial, technical, and programme priorities, we aim to reduce risk, increase certainty, and enable faster, more coordinated delivery. For developers, contractors, and consultants, effective design management adds measurable value – protecting the brief, strengthening decisions, and supporting confident project delivery.
Controls Design change to protect programme and cost
Prevents scope gaps through clear responsibilities and deliverable management
Improves coordination between disciplines, stakeholders, and packages
De-risks planning with proactive compliance and early issue identification
Strengthens decision-making through structured reviews and documentation
Enhances buildability by aligning design with construction methodology
Improves information flow with efficient processes
Reduces rework by identifying clashes and inconsistencies early
Project Stages We Support
We deliver value across the full project lifecycle and can be appointed at any point to suit your requirements. Whether you need targeted support for a specific stage or continuous involvement from start to finish, our flexible approach ensures the right level of design management expertise is available exactly when it’s needed.
Our Design Management Solutions
Design management helps resolve the issues that commonly disrupt projects. Below is a selection of typical challenges and the structured solutions we apply to bring clarity, reduce risk, and strengthen project delivery.
Typical Project Challenges
Delayed Programmes and Delivery Setbacks
Fragmented Consultant Responsibilities
Poor Coordination and Information Flow
Last-minute Design Changes and Rework
Planning & Building Control Compliance Uncertainty
Buildability and Constructability Conflicts
Stakeholder Communication Challenges
Scope Gaps with Subcontractor Sesign
Project Planning & Strategy Solutions
Establish a clear project design strategy
Validate planning and statutory compliance needs
Identify technical, procurement, and site constraints
Lock in design governance and clear design review checkpoints
Highlight early design risks and opportunities
Tender Stage Solutions
Define disciplined design team scope and responsibilities
Support consultant selection and appointment clarity
Reduce bid risk through scoped design deliverables
Embed clarity on specialist design and interfaces
Align tender requirements with project objectives
Development & Pre-Construction Solutions
Produce integrated design programme that links outputs to procurement
Coordinate multi-discipline design information and dependencies
Set up design responsibility matrices and release schedules
Facilitate workshops to identify and resolve design interfaces early
Strengthen constructability before construction starts
Construction & Procurement Solutions
Manage design information release during procurement and build
Track decisions and design changes effectively
Coordinate specialist and subcontractor inputs
Facilitate clear communication across design teams
Maintain alignment of design intent with site delivery
Client & Stakeholder Interface Solutions
Structure feedback loops to reduce disruption
Ensure changes are captured and controlled
Improve visibility for all project parties
Enhance confidence in decision tracking
Sectors We Serve
With decades of experience across a diverse range of sectors, we understand the technical, commercial, and regulatory demands that shape different project environments. This broad, cross-sector knowledge enables us to anticipate risks, streamline coordination, and deliver focused, effective design management support. Our well-rounded perspective ensures we tailor our approach to the unique requirements of each project, regardless of scale or complexity.
Residential
Education
Healthcare
Retail & Leisure
Commercial
Stadia
Transportation
Industrial
Development Types
Our experience extends across all major development types, from new build housing and mixed-use schemes to complex refurbishments, conversions, and fit-outs. This breadth of delivery experience enables us to understand the distinct technical and coordination challenges each development type presents. Whether navigating the constraints of existing structures or driving efficiency on new build housing programs, we apply proven design management processes that ensure clarity, control, and well-coordinated project outcomes.
